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Sculptural Space Integrating Recycled Rubber and Acoustic Harmonies in a Natural Setting

Authors:
Pei Gui, Yuting Mu
Sculptural Space Integrating Recycled Rubber and Acoustic Harmonies in a Natural Setting

Project in-detail

Recycled rubber materials and dense felt acoustically enhance a sculptural structure harmonizing with the forest, providing a unique venue for musical performances and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled rubber surfaces enhance durability while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Dense felt insulation optimizes sound quality for performances within the forest.
03
A bent A-frame design fosters visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporation of traditional Latvian instruments encourages engaging musical interactions.
05
Elevated structure preserves forest floor ecology beneath the performance space.

"Sound Sculpture: Symphony in the Forest" is an architectural project situated in a forested area in Siness, Latvia. This project conceptually merges music and nature, creating an innovative performance space that encourages interaction among attendees, performers, and the surrounding environment. The design incorporates traditional Latvian musical instruments and focuses heavily on acoustics, making it both functional and artistic.

The main structure functions as an amphitheater, providing a central gathering area for musical performances while promoting communal activities. The design considers the natural landscape, allowing spectators to engage with the performance within a setting that enhances sound quality through the use of nearby trees. The architectural form integrates with the topography, emphasizing a seamless relationship between built and natural environments.

Natural Materials and Structural Integrity

The architectural design employs a selection of materials that highlights sustainability and environmental harmony. Key materials include 140x140 mm wood beams that form the structural framework, utilizing locally sourced wood to reduce carbon imprint while enhancing warmth in the design. Dense felt is strategically used for sound insulation, ensuring a high-quality auditory experience in the performance space. The application of old tire rubber creates durable surfaces around performance areas, demonstrating an innovative use of recycled materials. Thick sounding strings, integral to some of the musical installations, add an authentic sound experience that resonates with the space.

The project's unique approach lies in its dual role as a performance venue and an interactive art installation. Instruments provide both auditory engagement and visual interest, encouraging participation from the audience. The arrangement of seating, resembling the form of horns, not only focuses sound projection but also enhances comfort for attendees.

Interactive Design and Community Engagement

The architectural layout fosters exploration, creating pathways that connect various performance areas with the natural environment. The design emphasizes accessibility, enabling a wide range of users to experience music in an outdoor setting. This concept of interaction extends beyond the audience, as performers can engage freely with the environment and one another, cultivating creativity and collaboration.

By prioritizing sustainable practices, the project stands out among typical performance spaces. The elevation of the structure minimizes ecological disruption to the forest floor, creating room for flora and fauna to thrive beneath. The overall design encourages a connection not only between musicians and their art but also with the surrounding natural landscape, reinforcing the cultural significance of music in relation to place.

For a comprehensive examination of the architectural plans, sections, and detailed design ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This will provide deeper insights into the architectural techniques and concepts employed throughout the project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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